How to Treat Leaf Curl

Leaves of plants infected with leaf curl will begin to curl upward.

The treatment of leaf curl depends on the cause of the leaf curl. For example, leaf curl found on peaches and nectarines is the result of a fungal pathogen (Taphrina deformans) while leaf curl on tomatoes and raspberries is caused by a virus transmitted by insects such as aphids, whiteflies and leafhoppers. After treating leaf curl, take preventive measures -- such as keeping the area free of weeds and removing fallen plant matter -- to keep the disease from recurring.

Fungal Leaf Curl

1

Mix 7 to 10 teaspoons of concentrated copper fungicide with 1 gallon of water in a clean bucket. Refrain from diluting the pesticide if you are using a ready-to-use copper fungicide.

2

Transfer the diluted concentrated copper fungicide to a clean garden sprayer. If you are using ready-to-use copper fungicide, leave the solution in the original bottle and shake it for several seconds.

3

Spray the plant thoroughly with the diluted copper fungicide at the leaf fall stage. Repeat the treatment between the late dormant and bud swell stage. Treat the plant for a third time at the pink bud stage. If using ready-to-use fungicide, spray the plant during its active growing period until the point of runoff to treat leaf curl. Repeat the treatment at intervals of seven to 10 days.

Viral Leaf Curl

1

2

Transfer the diluted insecticidal soap to a hand sprayer carefully. Spray the infested plant with the solution making sure to cover the tops and undersides of the leaves. Avoid treating the plant when temperatures are above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

3

Repeat the treatment several days after the initial application to kill hatched insects. Repeat the treatment at weekly or biweekly intervals.

About the Author

Marylee Gowans has written about gardening for both online and print publications. She attended the University of Akron, graduating with a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing. In 2009, she received master gardener certification from the Master Gardeners of Summit County, Ohio.